Stuffed Cabbages Rolls

Here’s a classic recipe for stuffed cabbage rolls:

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

• For the cabbage rolls:
  • 1 large head of green cabbage
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
• For the sauce:
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cabbage:
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Carefully remove the core of the cabbage and place the whole head in the boiling water.
   • Boil for about 2-3 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable.
   • Remove the cabbage from the pot and peel off the softened leaves. Repeat as necessary until you have about 12-15 leaves.
2. Make the filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3. Stuff the cabbage leaves:
   • Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, with the stem end closest to you.
   • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
   • Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and then roll it up from the stem end to the top. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
4. Prepare the sauce:
   • In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Cook the cabbage rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
   • Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish.
   • Pour the remaining sauce over the cabbage rolls, making sure they are well covered.
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
6. Serve:
   • Let the cabbage rolls rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed cabbage rolls!